hamburger and mac and cheese recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best hamburger and mac and cheese recipe

I have to say, I’m a big fan of classic comfort food recipes, and one of my family’s absolute favorites is a good old-fashioned hamburger and mac and cheese. It’s a staple in our house, and for good reason – it’s easy to make, it’s budget-friendly, and it’s just plain delicious. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is always a hit with them. We’ve made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just a quick weeknight dinner.

And the best part? It’s a great way to get some quality time with the family while we cook and chat together. I like to think that this recipe has been passed down through generations in my family – it’s a real comfort food classic. The first time I made it for my husband, he was hooked from the very first bite.

He loves the combination of the crispy burger patty and the creamy macaroni cheese. And let me tell you, it’s a real crowd-pleaser at any gathering we host. Whether we’re having a big family dinner or just a casual night in, this recipe never fails to impress. I’ve also been experimenting with healthier versions of this recipe, using whole wheat pasta and leaner ground beef.

But honestly, even with these tweaks, it still tastes just as good as the original. My kids are picky eaters, but they love this recipe so much that they’ll even try new ingredients like broccoli or bell peppers mixed in with the macaroni cheese. This is definitely a recipe that will become a staple in your household too. I’ve been making this recipe for years now, and I’ve learned a thing or two about what makes it truly special.

For one thing, using high-quality ingredients like fresh ground beef and real cheddar cheese makes all the difference in flavor and texture. Another thing that sets this recipe apart is its rich history – did you know that macaroni cheese has been around since ancient Rome? It’s true! And when paired with a juicy burger patty, it’s a match made in heaven.

One of my favorite things about cooking is experimenting with new techniques and flavors. This recipe is no exception – I love trying out different seasonings on the burger patty or adding unique ingredients like caramelized onions or crispy bacon bits to the macaroni cheese. I think what really sets this recipe apart from other comfort food dishes is its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients like ground beef, pasta, cheese sauce, and some simple seasonings, you can create an incredibly satisfying meal that will leave everyone wanting more.

Cheesy Hamburger Mac and Cheese

4.8 from 1250 votes

A hearty and comforting dish that combines ground beef, macaroni, and a rich cheese sauce. Perfect for a family dinner.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 750 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Mac and Cheese

12 oz elbow macaroni
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika

For the Hamburger

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Topping

1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
3Drain and set aside.
4In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
5Add the flour and whisk to form a roux.
6Cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns a light brown color.
7Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
8Cook the mixture over medium heat until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
9Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and paprika until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
10Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
Set aside.
11In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
12Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic.
13Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
14Drain any excess fat.
15Season the beef mixture with salt and black pepper.
16Stir in the cooked macaroni and cheese mixture until well combined.
17Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
18In a mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
19Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
20Preheat the oven to 375°F.
21Bake the macaroni and cheese for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Skillet
Saucepan
Mixing bowl

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 750 kcal🧈Total Fat: 35g💛Saturated Fat: 18g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 70g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 40g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add vegetables like peas or bell peppers to the hamburger mixture for extra nutrition.

Watch Video Of How Cheesy Hamburger Mac and Cheese Works

One of the best things about this recipe is that it is so versatile. You can customize it to suit your family’s tastes and dietary needs. It is also a great meal to make ahead of time, which is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

This recipe is a family favorite and always a good idea for any occasion. It is a hearty and comforting meal that is sure to please everyone at the table. You can serve it with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.

The leftovers also reheat well, making it a great option for meal prep. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you are ready to reheat, you can do so in the oven or microwave until heated through and bubbly.

It is a meal that is sure to become a family favorite and is a great way to enjoy a classic American dish with a twist. It is a comfort food classic that is always a hit with my family, and I hope it will be with yours too.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Hamburger Mac and Cheese

Q: What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?

A: For this classic hamburger and macaroni cheese recipe, I recommend using elbow macaroni – it’s traditional for a reason! Elbow macaroni holds onto the cheese sauce perfectly without getting too mushy or overcooked.

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

A: Yes, you can definitely use ground turkey if you prefer – just be aware that the flavor profile will be slightly different than traditional beef.

Q: What kind of cheese should I use?

A: For an authentic taste experience, I recommend using sharp cheddar cheese – but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or parmesan if you prefer!

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can actually prepare all the components of this dish ahead of time – cook the pasta according to package instructions up to 24 hours in advance (just store it separately), brown the burger patties up to 3 days ahead (store them individually wrapped), and make the cheese sauce up to 24 hours in advance (keep refrigerated). Then simply assemble everything right before serving.

Q: Is there any way to make this dish healthier?

A: Absolutely! To lighten up this classic comfort food dish try reducing or eliminating added sugars by using unsalted butter instead of salted butter; choose whole wheat pasta over regular; reduce fat content by using leaner ground meat; add extra veggies such as steamed broccoli florets on top of your baked macaroni & cheese casserole; consider serving smaller portions at family gatherings.

Q: How do I keep my macaroni from getting mushy?

A: To avoid mushy noodles when cooking elbow macaroni al dente (meaning not fully cooked through) until it still has some bite left over (around 6-8 minutes), try submerging cooked noodles under cold running water after draining them.

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